REPLACEMENT BRIDE

Sophie rushed downstairs, tears streaming down her face. "Daddy, please forgive me! Mummy, help me beg him!" she pleaded, throwing herself at her parents' feet.

Her mother's face was etched with disappointment and anger. "How could you do this, Sophie?" she yelled.

Sophie sobbed uncontrollably. "It was just a goodbye sex., not strings attached... I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

Her father's face turned red with rage. He rose from his chair, his hand flying across Sophie's face in a stinging slap. "You brought that... that boy into our home and had sex in our house! The Grants' house!" he thundered.

Sophie's cries grew louder as she clutched her cheek, her body shaking with sobs.

Her mother intervened, grasping her husband's arm. "Honey, let's calm down and discuss this rationally," she pleaded, guiding him back to his chair.

"Sophie, your wedding is just two days away, and yet you're caught in such a compromising position," her mother scolded, her tone laced with disappointment. "What do you expect Blackwood Asher to think of you?"

Her father's expression turned stern. "This is my judgment," he declared, his voice firm.

A heavy silence filled the room before he dropped the bombshell: "You will no longer be marrying Blackwood Asher."

Sophie's head jerked up, shock etched on her face.

Her mother placed a hand on her father's shoulder, her voice measured. "Think about it, honey. This union with the Blackwoods is our only chance to elevate our business status. They're the richest family in town; we can't afford to lose this opportunity."

Sophie's eyes pleaded with her father. "Daddy, please don't let me miss this chance. I'll do anything."

Her father's expression remained unyielding. "Emilia will marry Asher instead."

The room fell silent once more, before her mother's loud, mocking laughter echoed through the space.

Her mother's face turned red with rage. "No way! I won't let that dull, good-for-nothing brat take my daughter's place!" she yelled.

Her father stood up, his eyes blazing with warning. "Watch your mouth, woman, or I'll add to Sophie's punishment."

Sophie's anger boiled over. "Daddy, you can't let that bitch marry Asher instead of me!" she spat.

Her father's expression twisted in disgust. "You should have thought of that before you turned yourself into a slut," he hissed, turning his back on her and walking away.

Her mother's voice echoed through the house, her anger and frustration palpable. "No way, Sophie will be the only one to marry Asher!" she muttered, following her husband and yelling after him.

"Honey, come back here! Reconsider Sophie's punishment!" her mother yelled, chasing after her husband.

Sophie collapsed to the floor, her body wracked with sobs. She couldn't let herself lose this golden opportunity.

Meanwhile, Emilia sat in her room, tears streaming down her face. She had overheard the entire conversation, and her heart ached with sadness.

She was just a pawn in her parents' game, a replacement for her sister's mistake. It was a familiar feeling, one she had endured since childhood.

CHAPTER ONE

GRANT MANSION

Sophie's voice was laced with venom as she screamed at Emilia, "You bitch!" She held up the black gown, its charred remains a testament to Emilia's mistake.

Sophie's face twisted in rage as she screamed at Emilia, who cowered in the corner, shaking and tears streaming down her face.

The black gown, once a sleek and elegant outfit, now hung limp and charred in Sophie's hand. "I asked you to iron my cloth, and this is what you do? You burn it!" Sophie's voice echoed through the room.

Emilia trembled, her tiny voice barely audible. "I-I'm sorry. I was nervous about school."

Sophie's anger boiled over. "Just shut up!" she shrieked, taking a step closer to Emilia, who recoiled in fear.

The maids, sensing the escalating tension, scurried away, abandoning Emilia to Sophie's mercy.

Sophie's disdainful gaze swept over Emilia. "Don't you have anything better to do with your miserable life?" she spat, her words dripping with venom.

The parents' footsteps thundered down the stairs as they rushed to investigate the commotion. Sophie's father, his face stern and disapproving, demanded, "What's going on in my house? And what has this good-for-nothing brat done again?" His glare was fixed on Emilia.

Sophie, her voice trembling with indignation, cried, "Mom, Dad, I gave this pest my clothes to iron, and look what she did to it!" She held up the charred remains of the black gown.

Her mother gasped, her eyes wide with horror, and strode over to Emilia. With a swift motion, she slapped Emilia across the face. Emilia's eyes welled up with tears as she clutched her cheek, the pain and humiliation etched on her face.

As she stood there, tears streaming down her face, Emilia couldn't help but wonder, as she had so many times before, if she was the unlucky adopted child. The feeling of being an outcast, of never quite belonging, washed over her like a wave.

Emilia's father glared at her, his voice thundering. "And is that how you apologize to your sister?"

Emilia immediately knelt down, bowing her head in shame. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her body trembling.

Her father's words cut deep. "Dumb brain, the only thing you're good at is taking up space in my house. I'll soon marry you off to a beggar. Foolish girl."

Sophie and her mother exchanged smug glances, seemingly pleased with Emilia's humiliation.

Her father turned to Sophie, a saccharine smile spreading across his face. "Sophie, do you accept her apology?"

Sophie's brow furrowed. "What about my clothes?"

Her father reassured her, "Don't worry, darling. I'll make sure she pays you back every dime you spent on that cloth."

Sophie nodded, satisfied, and her father turned his attention back to Emilia. "Get your useless self out of here!"

Emilia scurried away, her head still bowed in shame.

As Sophie prepared to leave for school, her father reminded her, "Make sure you're home early, we have an important guest visiting today."

Sophie smiled and pecked her mom's cheek. "Mom, I'm off to school."

Her mother hugged her. "Take care, darling."

Emilia's mother turned to her, disdain etched on her face. "Will you get your filthy self out of here?"

Emilia hastily stood up and fled the compound, tears streaming down her face as she began her familiar trek to school. The fleet of cars in her father's compound seemed to mock her, a stark reminder of her inferior status in the family.

BLACKWOOD FAMILY

Asher stormed downstairs, his face a picture of indignation. His mother followed closely behind, her hands planted firmly on her hips.

"No way, mom!" Asher exclaimed, his voice laced with disgust. "You want me to marry a high school girl?"

His mother adopted a gentle tone. "She's in her final year, dear."

Asher scoffed, his expression incredulous. "But she's still in high school!"

His mother sighed, a hint of exasperation creeping into her voice. "The young girl in question is brilliant, pretty, and an epitome of charisma. Just give it some thought before tonight."

Asher's frown deepened. "What's happening tonight?"

His mother's smile returned. "We're paying them a visit."

Asher's eyes widened in dismay. "Without my permission?" he protested, tossing the magazine onto the table and turning away.

His mother placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Asher, we promise not to force any decision on you. Just meet her and decide if you're interested or not."

Asher muttered under his breath, "Fine, I'm only doing this because I hate seeing you sad."

His mother's face lit up with a warm smile as she ruffled his hair. "Let me leave you to prepare."

As she headed to her room, Asher shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "Unbelievable."

GRANT MANSION

The grand Grant mansion was abuzz with activity as the staff scurried about, preparing for a special visitor. Maids darted back and forth, decorating the rooms and arranging the food, their movements frantic but choreographed.

Mrs. Grant, in her elegant attire, supervised the preparations, her eyes scrutinizing every detail. "I want nothing less than perfection," she emphasized to the head of the kitchen staff. "We are expecting a very important guest."

The staff nodded in unison, "Yes, ma'am."

Upstairs, Sophie sat poised in front of a team of makeup artists, who worked their magic to enhance her already striking features. "Today is all about me," Sophie declared, her voice tinged with entitlement. "Make sure I look stunning."

The makeup artists nodded obediently, their hands moving deftly as they transformed Sophie into a vision of loveliness.

Meanwhile, Emilia sat alone in her room, surrounded by her books. The loud music drifting from downstairs made it difficult for her to concentrate on her reading. She struggled to focus, her eyes scanning the pages as she tried to block out the distracting melodies.

Mrs. Grant stormed down the hallway, her high heels clicking on the marble floor. "Where is that good-for-nothing brat?" she muttered to herself, her voice dripping with disdain.

She reached Emilia's room and burst through the door without knocking. Her gaze swept the room, taking in the simple furnishings and Emilia's modest belongings. Her expression twisted in disgust.

"Mom," Emilia drawled, her voice laced with resignation.

Mrs. Grant's glare pinned Emilia to the spot. "I'm sure you know today is your sister's introduction, so try not to leave your room. We don't want bad luck in our midst."

The venom in her mother's words stung, but Emilia was no stranger to her mother's cruelty. Mrs. Grant turned on her heel and strode out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Emilia sighed, feeling the weight of her mother's insults settle upon her. "What does she gain from insulting me?" she wondered aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the Blackwood family. Mr. and Mrs. Grant stood poised by the door, making last-minute adjustments to their attire. Mrs. Grant took a final glance around the house, ensuring everything was perfect, before taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.

"Welcome!" Mrs. Grant exclaimed, beaming with a warm smile. "Please, come in."

She ushered the Blackwoods into the house, exchanging hugs with Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at Asher.

"Look at you, looking so handsome and tall," Mrs. Grant complimented, her voice dripping with sincerity.

Asher smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Please, have a seat," Mrs. Grant invited, gesturing to the plush sofas.

The Blackwoods obliged, their eyes scanning the room with satisfaction. The decorations, a testament to Mrs. Grant's impeccable taste, had clearly made a good impression.

Mr. Blackwood turned to Mr. Grant, his voice booming through the room. "How's your business?"

Mr. Grant's smile remained pleasant. "Going fine, thank you for asking."

Just then, the maids glided into the room, bearing trays laden with drinks and snacks. They placed the offerings gently on the coffee table, their movements silent and efficient.

Sophie descended the stairs, dressed in a flowing gown, her hair styled in an elegant bun adorned with sparkling clips. Her face was heavily made up, giving her an older, more mature appearance.

Mr. Grant beamed with pride as he stood up to introduce his daughter. "Let me introduce you to my beautiful daughter."

Asher's eyes widened as he took in Sophie's transformed appearance. He could easily have mistaken her for a married woman with children.

Sophie curtsied respectfully, a bright smile on her face. "Welcome, sir and ma."

Mrs. Blackwood gasped in admiration. "You are so beautiful!"

Asher echoed his mother's sentiment, pecking Sophie on both cheeks and gallantly kissing her hands. "Hello, pretty."

Mrs. Grant gazed at the young couple, her eyes shining with excitement. "They look so good together," she cooed, her voice dripping with satisfaction. Sophie's smile grew even wider, basking in the admiration.

As the two families continued their conversation, Sophie's eyes remained fixed on Asher, who seemed utterly disinterested in the discussion. Meanwhile, Emilia's stomach growled loudly, reminding her that she hadn't eaten in hours. She had been so engrossed in her reading that she had forgotten all about food.

"I'm starving," Emilia muttered to herself, but her mother's warning echoed in her mind, keeping her from venturing downstairs.

However, her hunger eventually won out, and she decided to sneak downstairs for a snack. She crept into the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed an orange carton and some cookies.

As she stood there, munching on her snack, she heard the sound of unfamiliar voices coming from the living room. Her curiosity piqued, Emilia tiptoed to the entrance of the kitchen and peeked around the corner.

Her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her. The Blackwoods, including the famous Asher, were seated in their living room. Emilia's gaze locked onto Asher, and to her surprise, their eyes met. She gasped, feeling a sudden jolt of embarrassment, and quickly hid herself, hurrying back to her room.

Back in the living room, Mr. Grant turned to Asher with a hopeful smile. "So, Asher, what do you say about marrying my daughter Sophie?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

The room fell silent, awaiting Asher's response.